U.S. patent number 10,648,449 [Application Number 16/079,841] was granted by the patent office on 2020-05-12 for hydroelectric power generation apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to NTN CORPORATION. The grantee listed for this patent is NTN CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Yoshio Fujikawa, Tomoya Kawai.
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United States Patent |
10,648,449 |
Kawai , et al. |
May 12, 2020 |
Hydroelectric power generation apparatus
Abstract
A hydroelectric power generation apparatus includes a
hydroelectric power generation module, a supporting part, and a
bar. The hydroelectric power generation module includes a rotary
blade and a power generator that generates power by rotation of the
rotary blade. The supporting part supports the hydroelectric power
generation module. The supporting part can be installed at a water
channel. The bar is connected to the supporting part to protrude
from the supporting part. With one end of the bar closer to the
supporting part or a portion of the supporting part serving as a
center, the other end of the bar opposite to one end of the bar can
be pivoted to switch a first state to a second state and vice
versa.
Inventors: |
Kawai; Tomoya (Iwata,
JP), Fujikawa; Yoshio (Iwata, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NTN CORPORATION |
Osaka-shi, Osaka |
N/A |
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NTN CORPORATION (Osaka,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
59685770 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/079,841 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2017 |
PCT
Filed: |
February 01, 2017 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/JP2017/003592 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
August 24, 2018 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2017/145683 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
August 31, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190072065 A1 |
Mar 7, 2019 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 26, 2016 [JP] |
|
|
2016-035878 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03B
15/00 (20130101); F03B 17/061 (20130101); F03B
17/063 (20130101); F03B 7/00 (20130101); F05B
2220/32 (20130101); Y02E 10/38 (20130101); Y02E
10/226 (20130101); F05B 2240/90 (20130101); Y02E
10/30 (20130101); Y02E 10/28 (20130101); F05B
2240/916 (20130101); F05B 2220/706 (20130101); Y02E
10/223 (20130101); Y02E 10/20 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F03B
7/00 (20060101); F03B 11/06 (20060101); F03B
15/00 (20060101); F03B 17/06 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
202926509 |
|
May 2013 |
|
CN |
|
104685206 |
|
Jun 2015 |
|
CN |
|
2458197 |
|
May 2012 |
|
EP |
|
2910771 |
|
Aug 2015 |
|
EP |
|
60-124587 |
|
Aug 1985 |
|
JP |
|
H2-108916 |
|
Aug 1990 |
|
JP |
|
11-83290 |
|
Mar 1999 |
|
JP |
|
2005-76626 |
|
Mar 2005 |
|
JP |
|
2013-241841 |
|
Dec 2013 |
|
JP |
|
2015-014219 |
|
Jan 2015 |
|
JP |
|
2011/010675 |
|
Jan 2011 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
International Search Report issued in corresponding International
Patent Application No. PCT/JP2017/003592, dated Apr. 4, 2017, with
English Translation. cited by applicant .
Extended European Search Report issued in European Patent
Application No. 17756125.5, dated Jun. 14, 2019. cited by applicant
.
Communication pursuant to Article 94(3) EPC issued in corresponding
European Patent Application No. 17756125.5, dated Nov. 27, 2019.
cited by applicant .
Chinese First Office Action issued in corresponding Chinese Patent
Application No. 201780013224.8, dated Dec. 6, 2019, with English
translation. cited by applicant .
Notice of Grounds of Rejection issued in corresponding Japanese
Patent Application No. 2016-035878, dated Jan. 7, 2020, with
English translation. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Patel; Tulsidas C
Assistant Examiner: Mikailoff; S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A hydroelectric power generation apparatus comprising: a
hydroelectric power generation module including a rotary blade and
a power generator the power generator configured to generate power
using rotation of the rotary blade; a supporting part that supports
the hydroelectric power generation module, the supporting part
extending across a water channel so that a first end of the
supporting part is disposed on a first side of the water channel
and a second end of the supporting part is disposed on a second
side of the water channel, the second end of the supporting part
being opposite the first end of the supporting part, the second
side being opposite the first side of the water channel; and a bar
having 1) a first end at one end of a longitudinal axis of the bar
and 2) a second end at another end of the longitudinal axis of the
bar, the first end of the bar being connected to the first end of
the supporting part so that the longitudinal axis of the bar is
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the supporting part,
wherein when the hydroelectric power generation apparatus is in a
first state, 1) the rotary blade is below a surface of water
flowing through the water channel and 2) the longitudinal axis of
the bar is parallel to the surface of water flowing through the
water channel, wherein when the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus is in a second state, 1) the rotary blade is above the
surface of water flowing through the water channel and 2) the
longitudinal axis of the bar is perpendicular to the surface of
water flowing through the water channel, and wherein the bar pivots
about the first end of the bar to switch between the first state
and the second state of the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus, and wherein the hydroelectric power generation apparatus
further comprises a supporting member that rotatably supports the
supporting part, the supporting member including 1) a first
supporting member disposed on the first end of the supporting part
and the first side of the water channel and 2) a second supporting
member disposed on the second end of the supporting part and the
second side of the water channel.
2. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to claim
1, further comprising a connecting member that detachably connects
the bar to the supporting part.
3. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the supporting member has a hinge.
4. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the supporting member has a bearing.
5. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the rotary blade is a horizontal-axis-type,
propeller-type rotary blade.
6. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to claim
1, wherein the rotary blade is a vertical-axis-type rotary blade.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the U.S. National Phase under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
371 of International Application No. PCT/JP2017/003592, filed on
Feb. 1, 2017, which claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.
2016-035878, filed on Feb. 26, 2016, the entire contents of each
are hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a hydroelectric power generation
apparatus, and more specifically to a hydroelectric power
generation apparatus installed in a water channel.
BACKGROUND ART
Conventionally, a hydroelectric power generation apparatus
installed in a water channel is known. When a small-sized
hydroelectric power generation apparatus utilizing a water channel
used for agricultural water, city water, industrial water, and the
like has its rotary blade, gears, bearings, oil seals and the like
replaced for maintenance, the apparatus needs to be lifted out of a
water current. In addition, the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus also needs to he lifted out of the water current in an
emergency, such as rising of water, to prevent the apparatus from
being damaged. Conventionally, when lifting a hydroelectric power
generation apparatus upward, a crane vehicle has been used or a
large-scale lifting mechanism has been used for lifting the
apparatus (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No.
2015-014219). The conventional hydroelectric power generation
apparatus disclosed in the above document includes a lifting
mechanism composed of a pulley, a wire, a weight, and the like.
CITATION LIST
Patent Document
PTD 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-014219
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
However, for such a small-sized hydroelectric power generation
apparatus installed in a water channel as described above,
installing such a large-scale lifting mechanism as described above
is a factor of inviting an increased cost. More specifically, such
a small-sized hydroelectric power generation apparatus utilizing a
water channel as described above generates a small amount of power.
Accordingly, installing such a lifting mechanism as described above
would make a cost for installing the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus excessive relative to the amount of power that the
apparatus generates.
The present invention has been made in order to solve the
aforementioned problem, and an object of the present invention is
to provide a hydroelectric power generation apparatus which can
dispense with a large-scale device when the apparatus is lifted out
of a water current, and for example can be lifted out of the water
current easily through an operation done by manpower.
Solution to Problem
A hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
invention comprises a hydroelectric power generation module, a
supporting part, and a bar. The hydroelectric power generation
module includes a rotary blade and a power generator that generates
power by rotation of the rotary blade. The supporting part supports
the hydroelectric power generation module. The supporting part can
be installed at the water channel. The bar is connected to the
supporting part so as to protrude from the supporting part. With
the bar's one end closer to the supporting part or a portion of the
supporting part serving as a center, the other end of the bar
opposite to one end of the bar can be pivoted to switch a first
state to a second state and vice versa. In the first state, the
hydroelectric power generation module has the rotary blade below
the surface of the water in the water channel. In the second state,
the hydroelectric power generation module has the rotary blade
above the surface of the water in the water channel.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
The present invention can provide a hydroelectric power generation
apparatus that can be easily lifted out of a water current without
requiring a large-scale device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a hydroelectric power
generation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic front view for illustrating the FIG. 1
hydroelectric power generation apparatus installed in a water
channel.
FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 4
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a schematic front view for illustrating the FIG. 4
hydroelectric power generation apparatus lifted above a water
surface of a water channel.
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a schematic front view for illustrating a hydroelectric
power generation apparatus according to a second embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 is a schematic front view for illustrating a hydroelectric
power generation apparatus according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 11
FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a region XIV shown in
FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a schematic front view for illustrating a hydroelectric
power generation apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 16 is a schematic top view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 15
FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIG. 15.
FIG. 18 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a region XVIII shown in
FIG. 15.
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a hydroelectric
power generation apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with
reference to the drawings. In the figures, identical or
corresponding components are identically denoted and wilt not be
described redundantly.
First Embodiment
<Configuration of Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams for illustrating a
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment. A configuration of the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3
is a compact and lightweight system installed in an existing water
channel for agricultural water, city water, industrial water, and
the like and utilizing kinetic energy of running water for power
generation. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus comprises a hydroelectric power generation
module including a rotary blade 1, a supporting part including a
beam 4, bars 5a, 5b, and a control device. Bars 5a, 5b can be used
to lift the hydroelectric power generation module of the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus out of a water channel, as
will be described hereinafter. The details will be described
hereinafter. The hydroelectric power generation module includes
rotary blade 1, a gear box 2, and a power generator 3. Rotary blade
1 is a horizontal-axis-type, propeller-type rotary blade. Gear box
2 is connected to rotary blade 1. Power generator 3 is connected to
gear box 2 via a support. When rotary blade 1 is rotated by a water
current, the rotation of rotary blade 1 is transmitted to power
generator 3 via gear box 2 and the support. Power generator 3
generates power by the rotation of rotary blade 1.
The control device controls the output of power generator 3 and
rotary blade 1. Maximum power extracted from power generator 3
varies depending on the flow velocity of the water current.
Accordingly, the control device measures the flow velocity of the
water current, the rotation speed of rotary blade 1, or the power
generation voltage of power generator 3, and determines an optimum
current value allowing a maximum power to be extracted from power
generator 3. Then, the control device controls the hydroelectric
power generation module so that the amount of the current of power
generator 3 matches the optimum value.
The supporting part supports the hydroelectric power generation
module. The supporting part includes two beams 4a and 4b, a mount
4c, a support 4d, and a base plate 4e. The two beams 4a and 4b are
aligned in parallel. At the center portions of the two beams 4a,
4b, mount 4c is disposed to connect the two beams 4a, 4b. Mount 4c
is fixed to beams 4a. 4b. On an upper surface of mount 4c, two
supports 4d are disposed with a spacing therebetween. The two
supports 4d are each disposed at an end of mount 4c. Further,
supports 4d are positioned to overlap beams 4a, 4b in plan view.
Base plate 4e is disposed to connect between the two supports 4d.
Power generator 3 is fixed to base plate 4e. Power generator 3 is
disposed between mount 4c and base plate 4e. The support of the
hydroelectric power generation module has one end connected to a
lower surface of mount 4c.
Bars 5a, 5b serving as lifting bars are fixed to beams 4a, 4b with
a bolt 15. Bar 5a is connected to each beam 4a, 4b at one end. Bar
5b is connected to each beam 4a, 4b at the other end opposite to
one end. Bars 5a and 5b extend in a direction traversing a
direction in which beams 4a and 4b extend, and for example it is a
direction orthogonal to beams 4a and 4b.
Bars 5a, 5b are detachably connected to beams 4a, 4b with bolt 15
constituting a connecting member. Specifically, beams 4a, 4b each
have opposite ends each with a hole formed therethrough to pass
bolt 15 therethrough. In addition, bars 5a and 5b each also have a
hole formed therein to receive bolt 15. Bars 5a, 5b are positioned
with respect to beams 4a, 4b so that the holes of bars 5a, 5b
overlap the holes of beams 4a, 4b. The hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 has bars 5a and 5b
disposed to be in contact with lower surfaces of beams 4a and 4b.
Then, bolts 15 are passed through the holes of bars 5a, 5b and
those of beams 4a, 4b. Thereafter, a nut constituting the
connecting member is fixed to bolt 15 to fix bars 5a, 5b to beams
4a, 4b via bolt 15. In this manner, bars 5a and 5b are detachably
connected to beams 4a and 4b. Bars 5a and 5b can be removed from
beams 4a and 4b by decoupling bolt 15 and the nut. Accordingly,
bars 5a and 5b are connected to beams 4a and 4b only when lifting
the hydroelectric power generation apparatus out of the water
channel, as will be described hereinafter.
<Method for Lifting the Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
FIGS. 4 to 8 are schematic diagrams for illustrating a method for
lifting the FIGS. 1-3 hydroelectric power generation apparatus out
of a water channel. With reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the method for
lifting the hydroelectric power generation apparatus out of the
water channel will be described.
Initially, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus is disposed in the water channel at a
predetermined position. At the time, the hydroelectric power
generation module has rotary blade 1 below the water surface 40 of
the water channel (i.e., the first state). Although the position of
water surface 40 varies with the time of year, adjustment can be
done each time to assume the first state. Furthermore, the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus has beams 4a, 4b with
their ends in contact with an upper surface of a wall portion 8 of
the water channel. Beams 4a and 4b have their extremities
protruding to be outer than an outer peripheral surface of wall
portion 8 of the water channel. Bars 5a and 5b are connected to the
extremities of beams 4a and 4b. Bars 5a, 5b are disposed to extend
along water surface 40 of the water channel or along the upper
surface of wall portion 8 of the water channel.
Subsequently, ends of bars 5a and 5b (i.e., the other end of each
bar opposite to one end thereof connected to beams 4a and 4b) are
lifted in a direction indicated by an arrow 10 shown in FIG. 6. As
a result, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus rotates
about a portion at which beams 4a, 4b are in contact with wall
portion 8 of the water channel. Providing bars 5a, 5b with a
sufficient length (for example of 3 m or more and 5 m or less)
allows the other ends of bars 5a, 5b to be lifted with a
sufficiently small force. This allows the other ends of bars 5a and
5b to be lifted through a work done by one to several workers.
While in the above configuration a center of rotation when lifting,
the other ends of bars 5a, 5b is a portion at which beams 4a, 4b
are in contact with wall portion 8 of the water channel, the center
of rotation may be one end of each bar 5a, 5b located closer to
beam 4a.
By thus lifting the other ends of bars 5a, 5b in the direction of
arrow 10 (see FIG. 6), the hydroelectric power generation apparatus
can be rotated in the direction indicated by arrow 10. As a result,
when bars 5a, 5b are pivoted by substantially 90 degrees, as shown
in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus can
be rotated by 90 degrees to lift the hydroelectric power generation
module of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus above the
water surface of the water channel.
While the hydroelectric power generation apparatus described above
has beams 4a and 4b disposed directly on wall portion 8 of the
water channel, bars 5a and 5b may also be applied to a
hydroelectric power generation apparatus of a different
configuration. For example, a configuration in which a foundation
for a hydroelectric power generation apparatus is separately formed
on opposite sides of a water channel and beams 4a, 4b are mounted
on that foundation may also similarly have bars 5a, 5b connected to
beams 4a, 4b. This case also allows the hydroelectric power
generation module of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus
to be lifted out of the water channel by lifting the other ends of
bars 5a, 5b.
Further, while, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a case where the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus is lifted above water with
rotary blade 1 facing downward has been described, which side
rotary blade 1 (and hence the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus) faces when the apparatus is lifted above water may be
changed in consideration of ease of maintenance and the like. For
example, bars 5a and 5b may be connected to beams 4a and 4b to
extend toward a side where rotary blade 1 is located when viewed at
gearbox 2 in FIG. 3. In that case, by lifting those ends of the
bars farther from beams 4a, 4b, the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus can be lifted out of the water channel. The hydroelectric
power generation apparatus thus lifted has rotary blade 1 facing
upward.
<Operation of Hydroelectric Power Generation Apparatus>
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus fixed to the water
channel has its rotary blade rotated by a current of water flowing
through the water channel. The rotary blade generates rotational
energy which is in turn transmitted to power generator 3 via gear
box 2, a rotation shaft disposed inside the support, and the like.
Power generator 3 receives the transmitted rotational energy and
converts it into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated
by power generator 3 is externally output through an output line or
the like.
<Characteristic Configuration, and Function and Effect>
The above-described hydroelectric power generation apparatus
comprises a hydroelectric power generation module, a supporting
part (beams 4a, 4b, mount 4c, support 4d, and base plate 4e), and
bars 5a, 5b. The hydroelectric power generation module includes
rotary blade 1 and power generator 3 that generates power by
rotation of rotary blade 1. The supporting part supports the
hydroelectric power generation module. The supporting part can be
installed at a water channel. Bars 5a, 5b are connected to the
supporting part to protrude from the supporting part. With one end
of each bar 5a, 5b closer to the supporting part or a portion of
the supporting part serving as a center, the other end of each bar
5a, 5b opposite to one end thereof can be pivoted to switch a first
state to a second state and vice versa. In the first state, as
shown in FIG. 4, the hydroelectric power generation module has
rotary blade 1 below the surface of the water in the water channel.
In the second state, as shown in FIG. 8, the hydroelectric power
generation module has rotary blade 1 above the surface of the water
in the water channel.
Thus, by lifting the other ends of bars 5a, 5b, the hydroelectric
power generation apparatus can be rotated about beams 4a, 4b.
Further, by making bars 5a and 5b sufficiently long, a large
distance can be provided between the center of rotation and the
other ends to allow the hydroelectric power generation apparatus to
be rotated with a relatively small force through leverage. Thus,
without using a large-scale device using a pulley or a rope, and
instead by a work such as lifting the other ends of bars 5a, 5b by
manpower, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus can be
easily lifted out of the water channel in a short period of
time.
For example, when heavy rain or the like results in the water
channel having a raised water level, and accordingly, the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment needs to be lifted out of a water current, the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment can be lifted out of the water current without using a
crane vehicle or the like. Further, the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus does not require a large-scale device for an
operation of lifting the apparatus, and can be manufactured and
installed at a reduced cost. In addition, the operation of lifting
the apparatus can be done with man power and thus no particular
driving force is required, and a large degree of freedom can be
obtained in where the hydroelectric power generation apparatus is
installed.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus may further comprise a
connecting member (bolt 15 and a nut) to detachably connect bars
5a, 5b to the supporting part. In that case, bars 5a, 5b can be
connected to beams 4a, 4b only when the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus is lifted out of the water channel. Further, a
direction which bars 5a, 5b have with respect to beams 4a, 4b when
the former are connected to the latter can be changed, as
appropriate, so that rotary blade 1 faces a desired side when the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus is lifted out of the water
channel.
Second Embodiment
<Configuration of Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic diagrams for illustrating a
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according
to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
9 and 10. Note that FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 4 and FIG. 10
corresponds to FIG. 6.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 9 and
10 basically has the same structure as the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3, except that the former has
bars 5c, 5d different in shape than the latter. The hydroelectric
power generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 has bars 5c and
5d in the form of the letter L when viewed laterally. Specifically,
bar 5d includes a fixed portion 6a and an extending portion 6b.
Fixed portion 6a, in the first state with rotary blade 1 below the
water surface of the water channel, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, is
disposed to extend along the water surface of the water channel and
also fixed to beams 4a and 4b. Extending portion 6b is connected to
fixed portion 6a and extends in a direction different from the
direction in which fixed portion 6a extends. Specifically,
extending portion 6b extends in a direction in which the
hydroelectric power generation module extends.
<Method for Lifting the Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
The method for lifting the FIGS. 9 and 10 hydroelectric power
generation apparatus from a water channel is basically the same as
the method described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, except that
the former differs from the latter in that in the former, extending
portions 6b of bars 5c, 5d are pulled down in a direction indicated
by arrow 10 shown in FIG. 10. In that case, the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus is rotated about beam 4a adjacent to a portion
of each bar 5c, 5d connecting fixed portion 6a and extending
portion 6b together. This case also allows the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus to be easily lifted out of the water channel,
as well as the method of lifting the same as shown in FIGS. 4 to
8.
Third Embodiment
<Configuration of Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
FIGS. 11 to 14 are schematic diagrams for illustrating a
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according
to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
11 to 14. Note that FIGS. 11 to 13 correspond to FIGS. 4 to 6.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 11-14
basically has the same structure as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3,
except that the former differs from the latter in that a fixing
device 9 is connected to beams 4a and 4b constituting the
supporting part and a hinge 11 is disposed to connect an end
surface of fixing device 9 and a side surface of beam 4a.
Fixing device 9 is disposed to connect between beams 4a and 4b at
opposite end sides of beams 4a and 4b. In other words, fixing
device 9 is disposed to extend in a direction traversing a
direction in which beams 4a and 4b extend. Fixing device 9 has, for
example, a columnar shape. Normally, fixing device 9 is fixed to
beams 4a and 4b by a fixing member such as a bolt. In contrast, as
will be described hereinafter, when lifting the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus, the bolt fixing device 9 to beams 4a and 4b
is removed. Further, fixing device 9 is disposed at a position
facing an inner peripheral surface await portion 8 of the water
channel. As shown in FIG. 14, fixing device 9 is fixed to wall
portion 8 of the water channel by a fixing member such as an anchor
bolt 12 or the like.
Hinge 11 is disposed to connect the end surface of fixing device 9
and the side surface of beam 4a. Hinge 11 is fixed to the end
surface of fixing device 9 and the side surface of beam 4a. When
fixing device 9 is not bolted to beams 4a, 4b, the hydroelectric
power generation apparatus can be moved (or rotated) in such a
manner that the side surface of beam 4a is inclined with respect to
the end surface of fixing device 9 with hinge 11 serving as a
center.
<Method for Lifting the Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
The method for lifting the FIGS. 11-14 hydroelectric power
generation apparatus from a water channel is basically the same as
the method described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, except that
the former differs from the latter in that in the former, the bolts
connecting fixing device 9 and beams 4a and 4b together are
previously removed and thereafter, the other ends of bars 5a and 5b
are lifted in the direction indicated by arrow 10 in FIG. 13, and
the hydroelectric power generation apparatus is rotated about hinge
11. That is, the center about which the above hydroelectric power
generation apparatus is rotated includes a supporting member (or
hinge 11) that supports the hydroelectric power generation module
rotatably with respect to the water channel.
This case also allows the hydroelectric power generation apparatus
to be easily lifted out of the water channel, as well as the method
of lifting the same as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. Further, fixing
device 9 is fixed to wall portion 8 of the water channel by anchor
bolt 12, and when lifting the other ends of bars 5a, 5b the hinge
serving as the center of rotation is not positionally displaced.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus can thus be lifted out
of the water channel through a safe and reliable operation.
Fourth Embodiment
<Configuration of Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
FIGS. 15 to 18 are schematic diagrams for illustrating a
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus according
to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
15 to 18. Note that FIGS. 15 to 17 correspond to FIGS. 4 to 6.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 15-18
basically has the same structure as that shown in FIGS. 1-3, except
that the former differs from the latter in that beam 4a
constituting the supporting part includes a shaft 21, and shaft 21
is supported by a bearing unit 20, and that bars 5a and 5b are
disposed on a side inner than the wall portion of the water
channel.
Shaft 21 is connected to each of opposite ends of beam 4a to extend
in a direction in which beam 4a extends, Bearing unit 20 supports
shaft 21. Two bearing units 20 are disposed to sandwich beam 4a
therebetween. Bearing unit 20 is fixed on an upper surface of wall
portion 8 of the water channel. As shown in FIG. 18, bearing unit
20 includes an inner race 20a, a rolling element 20c, an outer race
20b, and a housing 20d. Inner race 20a has an annular shape. Inner
race 20a has an inner circumferential surface fixed in contact with
an cuter circumferential surface of shaft 21.
Inner race 20a, outer race 20b, and rolling element 20c constitute
a hearing. Housing 20d holds the bearing. Specifically, housing 20d
is disposed to surround an outer circumference of outer race 20b.
Housing 20d is fixed to an upper surface of wall portion 8 of the
water channel. Shaft 21 is rotatably supported by bearing unit 20.
As a result, when the hydroelectric power generation apparatus is
lifted out of the water channel, the hydroelectric power generation
apparatus can be rotated about shaft 21 and beam 4a, as will he
described hereinafter.
Bars 5a, 5b are connected to beams 4a, 4b on an inner peripheral
side of the water channel. Bars 5a, 5b are disposed to extend along
an internal wall surface of wall portion 8 of the water
channel.
While bearing unit 20 is connected to the upstream beam 4a, as
shown in FIG. 15 or the like, it may alternatively be connected to
the downstream beam 4b in consideration of workability and the
like.
<Method for Lifting the Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
The method for lifting the FIGS. 15-18 hydroelectric power
generation apparatus from a water channel is basically the same as
the method described with reference to FIGS. 4-8, except that the
former differs from the latter in that the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus is rotated about hearing unit 20. That is, the
center about which the above hydroelectric power generation
apparatus is rotated includes a supporting member (or bearing unit
20) that supports the hydroelectric power generation module
rotatably with respect to the water channel.
This case also allows the hydroelectric power generation apparatus
to be easily lifted out of the water channel, as well as the method
of lifting the same as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. Further, bearing unit
20 is fixed to wall portion 8 of the water channel by a fixing
member such as anchor bolt 12, and when lifting the other ends of
bars 5a, 5b, bearing unit 20 serving as a center of rotation, shaft
21 and beam 4a are not positionally displaced with respect to the
water channel. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus can
thus be lifted out of the water channel through a safe and reliable
operation.
Fifth Embodiment
<Configuration of Hydroelectric Power Generation
Apparatus>
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a hydroelectric
power generation apparatus according to the present embodiment. The
hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present
embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19. Note that
FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG. 1.
The hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. 19
basically has the same structure as the hydroelectric power
generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3, except that the former has
a rotary blade different in shape than the latter. The
hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIG. 19 does not
have a horizontal-axis-type, propeller-type rotary blade and
instead has a vertical-axis-type rotary blade 30. This
configuration can also achieve an effect similar to that of the
hydroelectric power generation apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3.
The above-described hydroelectric power generation apparatus can
have a rotary blade in any form.
While embodiments of the present invention have been described as
above, the embodiments can be variously modified. Further, the
present invention is not limited in scope to the above-described
embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the
terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications
within the meaning and scope equivalent to the terms of the
claims.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The present invention is suitably applied to a small-sized
hydroelectric power generation apparatus installed in an irrigation
canal or the like, in particular.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
1, 30: rotary blade; 2: gear box; 3: power generator; 4, 4a, 4b:
beam; 4c: mount; 4d: support; 4e: base plate; 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d: bar;
6a: fixed portion; 6b: extending portion; 8: wall portion of water
channel; 9: fixing device; 10: arrow; 11: hinge; 12: anchor bolt;
15: bolt; 20: bearing unit; 20a: inner race; 20b: outer race; 20c:
rolling element; 20d: housing; 21: shaft; 30: vertical axis type
rotary blade; 40: water surface.
* * * * *